I messaged Professor Chris before traveling to the Dayton area for a work conference that I was a novice GB BJJ white belt from the west coast wanting to keep learning while away from home. He welcomed me promptly through email, inviting me to attend any classes I would like while I was in the area.
Getting to the studio was a bit confusing as there isn't much signage for the studio (its just a large sticker on the door). I did find it, though, on the second pass of the strip mall, in between a liquor store and a maid service. I attached a photo of his front door with my own photoshop magic added to help future travelers.
The studio itself was clean and organized, with plenty of cubbies for belongings, benches for spectators / guests, a changing area and restroom. He has clear guidance posted inside the studio about hygiene, cleanliness and respect for others.
I introduced myself to him after his junior class was complete; he recalled our email exchange, was immediately personable, and again I felt welcomed. I signed his online waiver and attendance sheet (he helped walk me through the process) and began with his no-gi session. I stayed next for his Adult BJJ session. My observations of his interactions with the junior class while waiting for the adult sessions to start and what I experienced during his instruction throughout the adult classes, it was clear that he treats his students as a family, and they show him the respect that he deserves. He is firm and fair in his immediate corrections to any students that don't follow his class rules, which I can appreciate. That being said, he is a very effective communicator in his expectations for each drill, and his firmness was to ensure the students followed his provided instructions.
His class format is to perform the previous day's techniques with a partner as the warm-up, alternating every 1-2 mins, followed by technique drills built upon the previous classes (my blue belt partner brought me up to speed on what I missed), and finishing with 15+ minutes of rolling, with a partner swap every 3-4 minutes to ensure exposure to a variety of skill levels. During rolling he invited me to roll with him a handful of times and I gladly accepted.
The skill mix on my first day appeared to be a couple of purple belts, a few blues and many whites with multiple stripes. By the end of the first session, I was beyond tired, sweat pouring. However, Professor Chris had just the right mix of energy/motivation to keep me moving onto and through the second class that day. Also, the students I rolled with were respectful and appreciative of each other, which was reminiscent of our GB BJJ camaraderie back in Northern Cali.
I was fortunate to have time to attend the next day's Adult BJJ class. This class had a few more attendees and some more newer white belts. All showed the same rapport and respect with Professor Chris as the day prior.
All told, I'm glad I had this opportunity with Professor Chris and his students, and will definitely reach out to him next time I'm in the area.
Posted 3 years ago
